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El Duende

Media Process: Mini el duende

Population: Adolescents

Disorder: Depressive disorder


 

The process of creating an el duende has always piqued my interest, the definition of it alone is slightly ambiguous and something about the intention of keeping it that way by nature intrigues me. The first el duende I created was over several weeks and having had that experience added even more meaning to this 'mini' el duende because I had something to compare it to. For me, the difference in this process and a regular painting process is the intentional note and documentation of each 'step'. It's hard when working with a fluid material like paint to have an end and beginning of each layer or form from one moment to the next. However, when taking the time to document and take note of the pieces natural transformation allows for the journey to be reflected on in a unique way. Details are pulled out of each step, thoughts come back, along with emotions tied to whatever was happening in that time and space. I chose to do this work with adolescents with depressive disorder to work on self-awareness, attention to detail and taking note of transformation and temporary states of mind and being. Depression can come and go, be consistent for long periods of time or even disappear for years at a time. This intentional documentation and taking note of allows the client to slow down their process and cull through deeper emotions that may be related to emotionally straining or traumatic experiences. Negative self-talk, sleep disturbances, emotional dysregulation and feelings of worthlessness often accompany depression and focusing so intently on process versus product could be highly beneficial for adolescents with depressive symptoms. The transformative properties of an el duende mirror the benefits of clay making in providing rich and processes of self-discovery (Leone, 2020).

Leone, L. (Ed.). (2020). Craft in Art Therapy: Diverse Approaches to the Transformative Power of Craft Materials and Methods. Routledge.

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